DIY guide to restoring old furniture

If you don’t have something already, Siemaska and Zimmerman recommend scouring Craigslist, where there’s often more furniture to choose from in the free section than there is for sale. Yard sales, estate sales, and curbside on the first of every month can also prove fruitful. Look for pieces that have “good bones.’’ They should be sturdy, structurally sound, and made from wood. Check that the drawers fit and glide easily.

Tip: Make sure you like the shape of the piece - this is the one feature you won’t be able to change.